Singapore Airlines today began the countdown to the historic launch of the ‘Capital Express’ service in September, marking 100 days until the first flight lands at Canberra Airport.

The historic service, which for the first time will directly connect Canberra to Wellington and Singapore, is scheduled to arrive in Canberra onWednesday 21 September. To mark the 100 day countdown, Singapore Airlines has teamed up with Canberra Airport and Wellington Airport to display a ‘countdown’ clock in the respective terminals as anticipation builds towards the inaugural flights.

Regional Vice President, South West Pacific, Mr Tan Tiow Kor, said today’s milestone was another exciting step towards the new service beginning.

“A lot of work has been undertaken since we announced our decision to fly to Canberra and Wellington in January,” Mr Tan said.

“Our recruitment process for our ACT office is well underway, we have announced that we will extend our national partnership with The Smith Family to the Canberra region and there is still plenty more to come.

“There are some exciting announcements about the appointment of contractors as well as the physical establishment of our offices at Canberra Airport and plenty more to look forward to over the coming weeks and months.

“Our team has been working around the clock to get everything ready for 21 September and while it is daunting to think we are now just 100 days away from the arrival of the ‘Capital Express’ it is also very exciting.

“Beginning the 100 day countdown today highlights just how close Canberra’s dream of welcoming direct international flights is.”

The countdown clock will display images of Singapore, Canberra and Wellington along with the number of days until the arrival of SQ291 from Singapore. The countdown clock will be projected in the departure area of Canberra Airport, near to where the new international gates will be located.

With 100 days until the first flight, Mr Tan said ticket sales continued to be strong but encouraged those who had not yet booked to do so.

“Since we launched ticket sales in January we have been very encouraged with strength of sales,” Mr Tan said.

“We want everyone in the ACT and surrounding regions to take advantage of Canberra’s first regularly scheduled international flights.

“Regardless of whether it’s a trip to New Zealand, a long weekend in Singapore or a holiday to any number of the almost 100 destinations we fly to around the world, I encourage those who have not booked their tickets yet to do so.”